It’s not often that I travel just for a hotel. Most destinations trump accommodations. But every once in a while there’s a hotel so special that I’ll take a trip just to stay there, and today that hotel is the Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal. Read on for my Six Senses Douro Valley review.
Six Senses Douro Valley Review
Why am I traveling just for this hotel? I’ve been here before. A few years ago I traveled to the Douro Valley on one of the best trips I’ve taken in Europe.
I fell in love with the vineyards, rivers, food, and wine in a region that flies so far below most people’s radars that it’s nearly off the tourist grid (maybe that’s why I loved it so much).
As part of the trip, I visited the property that would one day become the Six Senses Douro Valley. Back then it was another hotel, and I remember being enamored with the exterior but a bit daunted by how dark the interior was.
When I heard it was re-opening as a Six Senses, I knew I had to go back and see it again. And now I’m here in Portugal as a guest of the hotel to do just that.
Douro Valley
An hour-and-a-half by car from Porto airport, the Douro Valley unfolds in steep terraced hills rising up from the deep blue waters of the Douro River.
Bright green grape leaves shine under the hot summer sun, hiding swollen purple grapes that will soon be harvested for the region’s famous Port (and its underrated still wines).
Throughout the valley, towns and villages hug the hillsides, showing off dazzling tile churches and historic squares.
Port wine houses sit in between, opening their doors to visitors for tours and tastings. It’s one of the perfect summer travel destinations, only without all the crowds.
Six Senses Hotel in the Douro Valley
Eventually the roads lead to the Six Senses Douro Valley, where the hotel—which is set in a historic stately home on a beautiful bend in the river—awaits.
I’m both excited and nervous to be back. I want the place to be perfect, but I’m worried my expectations are too high.
But it impresses. My room is light and generously spacious, with plenty of luxurious amenities.
The windows are a bit small and recessed, but other rooms I see have floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the view of the Douro River. I make a mental note to request one of those next time.
The Six Senses Douro Valley’s lounge, bar, and restaurant are all decorated stylishly, with a mix of contemporary design and well-chosen antiques.
A magenta pool table adds color to the bar, and a breadcrumb trail of contemporary art leads me from the wine cellar to the restaurant.
The Six Senses Douro Valley restaurant offers a range of indoor and outdoor dining options, including a chef’s table where I enjoy an impressive seven-course meal one night. The food here is as good as the view.
Beyond it are the terraces—perfect for sunset cocktails—and the pool and kitchen garden.
The pool has some of the most amazing surroundings I’ve ever seen—vineyards and rivers galore—but I can’t help spending a lot of my free time at the spa. This is a Six Senses hotel, after all, and they’re famous for their spas.
I get a relaxing massage one day and hop between the sauna, steam room, and indoor pool the next.
Afterwards I venture into the forest—yes, there’s a forest here—to wander in the woods and discover secret little nests with views over the Douro Valley. It’s so peaceful I don’t want to leave.
Douro Valley Sightseeing
But there’s a reason I fell in love with this part of Portugal on my last trip, and as much as I love the Six Senses Douro Valley hotel, I have to get out and revisit the region.
I take a trip to Lamego, a pretty town with a historic cathedral. Unfortunately for the cathedral, the stunning hilltop Santuario de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church at the top of an ornate 600-step staircase steals the show.
I also visit the 6th-century Sao Pedro de Balsemao chapel, the second oldest of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula.
Down a tiny one-lane road that winds along the hillside, its paintings and sculptures hide stories of the region through the centuries.
No trip to the Douro Valley would be complete without some time on the water, and I also enjoy a river boat ride through the vineyards. If I were really ambitious, the award-winning Costa Nova beach near Aveiro is just an hour away.
But right here on the banks of the Douro River, DOC restaurant is one of the best places to go in the valley. I enjoy a lunch on the terrace that I wish would never end.
Six Senses Douro Valley Review: The Verdict
In fact, I wish the trip would never end. There aren’t many places I visit that I can see myself coming back to over and over again, but this is one of them.
And when I do have to go, I do so knowing that it won’t be long until I’m back at the Six Senses Douro Valley. That’s the only reason I leave.
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Love the Douro region of Portugal! Definitely still an undiscovered gem.
Yeah!
What a lovely place. Looks wonderful!!
Leonie ♥
Yeah, it’s great!
This looks amazing. I have been wanting to go to Portugal so I appreciate the suggestion.
That’s great! It’s an amazing place to visit.
Wow this place looks so beautiful!
Yeah!
I was wondering already about this place ever since I saw your snaps on Snapchat. It looks great!
Yeah! It’s lovely!
What a gorgeous hotel in a lovely setting. I’ve only visited Lisbon but would love to see more of Portugal.
Yeah, it’s really lovely. Worth a visit!
This looks amazing Julie! It’s going on the list 🙂
Yeah! You would love it there. They do morning yoga, too!
Wow…you have a way with pics. Brilliant!
Thanks!
I had been there on march 2014. Lovely and wonderful place. Looking forward go back there.
That’s great!
Just when I didn’t think the Douro Valley could be any prettier!
Yeah, it’s such an amazing place!
Wonderful review! I adore Douro, and the northern region. Next time you go to Portugal, visit the Alentejo…you will fall in love with the charming small village.
Thanks! I appreciate the tip!
Do you have any more details on who you booked your travel with from airport to hotel? Any small details like where and who you booked the boat ride with.
As a single traveler only speaking English the more of an itinerary I have he better !! Thank you so much in advance.
It was all arranged by the hotel, so I recommend getting in touch with them directly.